Shopping centres are becoming crowded, and the festive calendar is filling up with fun family outings.

Abby-Jade Reason, principal of the Apricot Tree stimulation centre in Northmead, offers the following advice to keep neurodivergent children and individuals safe during the holidays.

• Ensure that the child or person is wearing comfortable and easily accessible safety tags or bracelets containing emergency information.
This will assist should the person or child become separated from their loved ones.
Information should include: name, diagnosis, and indication of whether the person is non-verbal or contact-sensitive, as well as emergency contact information.

• Teach the child key phrases when they need help, and, where possible, indicate places or people they can go to if they are lost.
Where possible, visit familiar centres and stores, taking the time to get to know employees such as security personnel, shop managers and sales clerks.

Never leave home without sensory support items such as noise-cancelling headphones, weight vests, sensory brush and comfort toys.

• ⁠Be consistent and clear with instructions, manage expectations and look out for signs of distress.

• Do not be too specific about the planned activity, thus leaving room for unexpected changes.
Ensure that the person or child is aware of the activity, but also that they will not become overwhelmed if their expectations are not met.

“There is no one-size-fits-all solution when engaging with a neurodivergent person or child, yet they all want to be seen, respected and included,” said Reason.

“You have the power to be a bridge by slowing down, listening and including them in life’s activities.

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